TERMBASES
In ancient China, music,
together with poetry, was a way to conduct political education. Reviewing music
education in the Zhou Dynasty, the Confucian scholars before the Qin-dynasty unification of China at the time concluded that music could transform
social and cultural practices, stir up one’s inner emotions, and cultivate a
good character. On this basis, they
developed a comprehensive Confucian theory of music and music education.
Subsequently, both “music education” and “poetry education” became important
subjects in the official school system, forming a key part of early Chinese
ritual and music culture.